Out of Struggles Comes God’s Direction for Us
Today’s Bible Verse:
Psalm 119:67 ESV
"Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word."
In today’s verse, the psalmist reflects on the transformative power of affliction. Before facing trials, the psalmist admits to wandering from God's path. Yet, through hardship, they discovered the true value of God's word and returned to obedience. This verse reminds us that our struggles often serve a greater purpose.
As Lutherans, we believe God uses Law and Gospel to shape us. The Law reveals our sinfulness and our need for a Savior. Affliction can be a painful reminder of our brokenness, driving us to seek God's grace.
The Gospel, however, offers comfort and hope. It assures us that Christ has already paid the price for our sins, and we find forgiveness and new life in Him. Affliction becomes an opportunity to deepen our faith and trust in God's promises.
Like the psalmist, we can emerge stronger and more devoted to God's word from trials. Our afflictions may seem unbearable, but they can ultimately lead us to a closer relationship with Christ.
PRAYERS
Keep in Your Prayers:
All people dealing with cancer
Those who reject Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
A Prayer for Today:
Loving Father, I thank you for the wisdom found in your Word. I confess that I often stray from your path, but I pray that my trials would draw us closer to you. Help all believers and me see your hand in our lives, even while we suffer. May we emerge from affliction with renewed faith and a deeper commitment to keeping your word. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
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